Yufuin Itinerary: an Ideal Hot Spring Retreat in Kyushu
One of my favourite destinations in Japan is Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This charming country town should be on any itinerary if you decide to explore Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. This onsen town has an enchanting landscape with Mount Yufu in the background, peaceful rice fields and a river, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.
Exploring Nachi-Katsuura: Japanās Tuna Capital on the Kumano Kodo
Tucked along the southeastern coast of Wakayama Prefecture, Nachi-Katsuura is a fishing town on the Kii Peninsula, best known for its tuna fishing industry and proximity to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. If youāre looking for a different side of the Kumano region, shaped by early-morning auctions, quiet harbor walks, and evenings spent soaking in hot springs overlooking the sea, then Nachi-Katsuura is a coastal gem you wonāt regret adding to your itinerary.
Discover Kibitsu Jinja: An Enchanting Shrine in Okayamaās Countryside
As a shrine and temple lover, I enjoy using this blog to introduce lesser-known places I discover while exploring Japan. Just 20 minutes from central Okayama, Kibitsu Jinja is a beautiful and atmospheric shrine set in peaceful countryside. In this article, Iāll share why you should visit this shrine, what it was like exploring the area, and some tips to help you plan your visit.
One Day in Snowy Takayama: My Walking Itinerary
Takayama is one of those places in Japan that took me completely by surprise and quickly became one of my top recommendations to include in a Japan itinerary, especially in winter. Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, this historic city still feels relatively under the radar, yet it offers a wonderful glimpse into Japanās Edo-period. I only had one full day to explore Takayama, so in this article Iām sharing my one-day walking itineraryto help you plan your visit, together with some travel tips based on my experience.
10 Hidden Gems in Tokyo: Unique Places to Discover Beyond the Tourist Spots
Beyond famous spots such as Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree, there are so many hidden gems and lesser-known places that I was lucky enough to discover during the four years I lived in this wonderful city. In this list of Tokyo's hidden gems, I have included practical tips such as the nearest train stations, admission prices, and other interesting places nearby, as well as links to more detailed guides when I have written them.
Three Little-Known Autumn Walking Itineraries in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of famous autumn spots like Rikugien Garden or Meiji Jingu Gaien, but if youāre looking for something quieter and more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of lesser-known walks where you can enjoy the season with less crowds. In this article, Iāll introduce three little-known autumn walking itineraries in Tokyo that are perfect for a day out.
Okunoshima Rabbit Island, Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Okunoshima is one of Japanās most unique destinations. This small island, also known as āRabbit Islandā, is home to over 1000 friendly rabbits freely roaming around. In this guide, Iāll share everything you need to know to plan your visit, from how to get there and the best things to do, to travel tips and more.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri: A Guide to Japan's Most Adrenaline-Fueled Festival
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a Japanese festival taking place every year in mid-September in the city of Kishiwada, in Osaka Prefecture. I was lucky enough to be in Osaka in 2023 during the weekend it took place. Read on if you'd like to find out more about this festival, get an insight from my experience, and discover my tips and some practical information if you're planning to attend this year!
Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba: Discover Japanās Iconic Pearl Destination
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Japanās Kansai region? Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, is a must-visit for anyone curious about Japanese craftsmanship, ocean heritage, and the origins of cultured pearls. In this guide, Iāll walk you through how to get there, what to see and do, and additional travel tips to turn your trip into a memorable day exploring the coastal city of Toba.
Visit Oarai in Ibaraki: A Guide to a Coastal Gem Near Tokyo
Oarai is a lovely seaside town in Ibaraki prefecture. Itās an underrated destination that is perfect to avoid the crowds, especially during busy travel seasons like Golden Week, while enjoying beautiful ocean sceneries. If you enjoy the sound of waves, fresh sea air, and delicious seafood, Oarai is definitely a place to add to your Japan travel bucket list!
Yugawara Onsen Guide: Nature, Temples and Coastal Charm Near Tokyo
Looking for a peaceful getaway from Tokyo thatās completely off-the-beaten path? Let me introduce you to Yugawara, an overlooked but charming onsen town tucked along Sagami Bay. Just under two hours from the city, Yugawara has long been known as a hot spring destination, yet it remains under the radar compared to nearby Atami. I spent a weekend in Yugawara and loved how relaxed and nostalgic it felt.
Magose-toge Pass Hiking Guide: A Quiet Kumano Kodo Experience in Mie
Located in the mountains of Mie Prefecture, near Owase, the Magose-toge Pass trail is a historic stone-paved path that leads you through ancient cypress forests and offers panoramic viewpoints along the way. I hiked it during my one-week road trip through Mie and Wakayama Prefectures and was struck by how peaceful it was. In this guide, Iāll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of the trail.
Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm and Hot Springs
Kotohira is a town I highly recommend including on your Shikoku itinerary. If youāre a slow traveler, shrine lover, or looking to explore a lesser-known gem, Kotohira is absolutely worth the visit if youāre in Kagawa prefecture. It ended up being one of my favorite stops during my one-week Shikoku road trip. In this Kotohira travel guide, Iāll walk you through the best things to do in Kotohira, where to stay and essential travel tips to make the most of your visit.
A Nature Day Trip to Izu: Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro Itinerary
The Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro are two natural wonders of the Izu Peninsula located in Ito city that can easily be combined as a day trip from Tokyo, Atami or other nearby towns in the Izu Peninsula. If hiking along a scenic coastline and walking around the crater of an extinct volcano sounds intriguing to you, then this day trip itinerary should interest you!
Ito Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, Eat and More
Ito is a charming seaside hot springs town in Shizuoka Prefecture. It's a base to stay and explore the underrated but beautiful Izu Peninsula, which is packed with natural sites, onsen towns and other fun attractions to discover. In this article, I will share my favourite activities in Ito as well as some recommendations for accommodation and restaurants that I particularly enjoyed.
Suwa Itinerary: Complete Travel Guide to Naganoās Best-Kept Secret
Iām excited to introduce a place in Nagano Prefecture that quickly became one of my favorite destinations in Japan: Suwa. This peaceful area which surrounds Lake Suwa is unknown to most international travelers, but it offers so much. In this guide, Iāll share everything I learned from spending about 10 days in Suwa, from what to do to where to stay, to local food spots and lesser-known experiences that Iād highly recommend.
Walking to Tateishi Park, a Real-Life āYour Nameā Anime Location in Suwa
If youāre a fan of Makoto Shinkaiās Your Name, you may already know that the lake in the movie was inspired by a real place: Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. When I first learned this, I was immediately intrigued, and once I saw the view from Tateishi Park, I understood why it inspired such a magical setting. In this post, Iāll take you along the walk with me, share photos from the route, and give you all the practical tips you need if you want to do it yourself.
Discover Suwa Taisha: Walking Itineraries for Shrine Lovers and Goshuin Collectors
Suwa Taisha isnāt just one shrine: itās a sacred complex made up of four distinct sites scattered across the Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture. During my stay in Suwa, I had one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my trip: walking between the shrines and collecting all four goshuin from Suwa Taisha. In this guide, Iāll share the walking routes I took to explore the four shrines at a relaxed pace.
Discover Takaya Shrine: A Hiking Guide to Shikokuās āTorii in the Skyā
Perched on a mountain in Kagawa Prefecture, Takaya Jinja Shrine is a hidden gem that rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking views in Shikoku. Known as the āTorii in the Skyā, this stunning shrine gate stands at the edge of the 404-meter Mt. Inazumi, overlooking the coastal city of Kanonji and Seto Inland Sea below. If you're looking for a picturesque, off-the-beaten-track hike in Shikoku, this is one you won't want to miss!
Naoshima Travel Guide: Complete One-Day Itinerary for Art and Nature Lovers
Naoshima is a fantastic island for art and nature lovers in Japan, easily accessible as a day trip from Okayama. Famous for its contemporary art museums, outdoor installations, and its iconic pumpkin sculptures by Yayoi Kusama, Naoshima is a fantastic destination in Japan for those looking to immerse themselves in world-class art while enjoying the islandās tranquil coastal scenery. Discover the itinerary I followed to spend a day exploring Naoshima, along with my recommendations and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Japan's famous āart islandā.
Hi, Iām Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.